Cook Children's

Pediatric
Neuro-Oncology

All kids really want to do is be kids. They want to play, and learn and laugh. Here at Cook Children's, that's what we want too. That's why we've grown to become one of the largest pediatric neuro-oncology programs in the Southwest. A neuro cancer diagnosis can be the start of a scary journey. Our neuro-oncology team is here to help each child we treat overcome as many obstacles as possible, and to make a difference every step along the way.

Our distinguished neuro-oncology team is highly regarded for their active role in national and international clinical research trials and relentless pursuit of seeking cures. When you place your child in our care, you know that he or she is in the capable hands of some of the finest neuro-oncology specialists in the country, if not the world. These men and women are dedicated experts in the care and treatment of tumors in the brain, brainstem, optic tract and spine, as well as neurofibromatosis, vascular malformations, dermoid lesions and more.

Cancers of the central nervous system

Cancers of the central nervous system (CNS) are the most frequent type of solid tumors in children and rank second only to the leukemias as the most common malignant cancers in children. They account for approximately 20 percent of all pediatric cancers, with 2,500-3,000 children diagnosed in the U.S. each year. As for the vast majority of childhood cancers, the cause of CNS tumors is not known. Despite progress in successful therapy for all types of childhood cancers in the past decades, they remain the leading cause of cancer death in children, teens and young adults.

Conditions we treat

We treat a variety of tumors, malignant and nonmalignant, vascular conditions and lesions found throughout the CNS, many of which are extremely complex. Some of the conditions we treat include, but are not limited to:

Our approach

At Cook Children’s, the optimal treatments for CNS neoplasms are developed by an integrated team of specialists as part of a comprehensive neuro-oncology program. Along with access to leading-edge clinical trials, the team uses the best-available neurosurgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and equipment, as well as proper chemotherapy regimens.

Center of attention

At Cook Children’s, your child will be surrounded by the best specialists available, all working together to ensure one thing: that your child has the best outcomes possible. Your child’s neuro-oncologist, neurologist, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologist, endocrinologist, hematology and oncology specialists and experienced neuro-oncology nurse are there every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment, and beyond.

As an important member of your child’s care, you’ll meet with the team on a regular basis to discuss progress, concerns and address any questions you or your child may have.

Because cancer and cancer treatment can impact your child’s mental and physical capabilities, and your family’s financial and emotional well-being, the team will most likely include one or more of the following:

Nurse practitioners:

Emily Braly, RN, MSN, CPNP

Researching for answers

Advances in diagnosing and treating children and young people with brain, spine and nervous system tumors are happening at what feels like warp speed. As a result newer neurosurgical technologies, radiation therapy approaches, chemotherapy strategies and the interaction of these amazing breakthroughs are leading to better and better outcomes for children, teens and young adults—and ultimately, their families. Within research, there is now an exploding understanding of childhood brain tumors at the molecular level that will soon translate to even more novel management approaches for some key neoplasms.

Here at Cook Children’s, our neuro-oncology specialists have earned their place at the forefront of amazing breakthroughs. We are actively involved in national and international research programs and clinical trials and our scientific submissions and conference presentations have earned the respect of our peers and organizations around the globe.

Cook Children’s Neuro-Oncology Program is currently participating in several clinical, biology and epidemiology trials in partnership with a number of renowned research organizations, including the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and Texas-Oklahoma Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (TOPNOC).

Clinical trials:

Efficacy of Carboplatin Administered Concomitantly with Radiation and Isoretinoin as a Pro-Apoptotic Agent in Other Than Average Risk Medullablastoma/PNET ACNS0332

A Phase III Randomized Trial for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Supratentorial PNET and High Risk Medulloblastoma in Children <36 months old with Intensive Induction Chemotherapy with Methotrexate Followed by Consolidation with Stem Cell Rescue vs. the Same Therapy without Methotrexate ACNS0334

A Randomized Phase II/III Study of Vorinostat (IND# 71976) and Local Irradiation OR Temozolomide and Local Irradiation OR Bevacizumab (IND# 7921) and Local Irradiation Followed by Maintenance Bevacizumab and Temozolomide in Children with Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas